Ciutat Vella Travel Guide

Barcelona

Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella

Some of Barcelona’s most famous sites and most famous streets are clustered in the historic center, with new beauty around every corner.

Passing through Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella are beautiful promenades designed by some of the world’s most famous architects. Look for the influence of monumental figures such as Antoni Gaudí everywhere, even in buildings he did not design, creating Barcelona’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Put on comfortable shoes and set out. Stop along the way for a break at one of the many cafés and terraces.

Stroll down Las Ramblas first. This wide pedestrian promenade is best enjoyed early in the day before crowds arrive. Have coffee and a pastry and decide which museum to start with. Learn all about the region at the Barcelona City History Museum or understand how the city became powerful with a visit to the Maritime Museum. Wander through an impressive collection of modernists, Catalan and otherwise, at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art or specialize at the Picasso Museum.

Search for some of the best examples of Barcelona’s famous architecture. Traditional Spanish construction is displayed at the Barcelona Cathedral, while the exuberance of Catalan Modernism imbues the Palau Güell). Wander through the beautiful greenery of the Parc de la Ciutadella, also home to the Barcelona Zoo. Aquatic animals swim through the tanks at the Barcelona Aquarium, which is walking distance from the yachts and clubs of Port Vell, the perfect place to enjoy exciting nighttime activities.

Ciutat Vella is a tourist center and also the central hub of Barcelona’s transportation system. Reach almost anywhere in the city easily by subway, bus or car. The center is extremely walkable. Get to the historic center from the airport in 45 minutes by public transportation or about 25 minutes by automobile. Cars are generally not necessary to explore Ciutat Vella’s most famous sites and parking can be hard to find. Plan ahead, as popular attractions may be extremely crowded, especially in the summer.

After extended walking in Ciutat Vella, get a treat and some education at the Chocolate Museum.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Ciutat Vella

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹20,121 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹20,121
₹25,463 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,779 reviews)
"The staff are superior to the best 5star hotels. From simple checkin and exquisite accommodations in family room overlooking cathedral square, to the gourmet breakfast included the experience was ideal. When visiting g Barcelona, either with family, on business, or by myself, this is the only place ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Lamaro Hotel
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is ₹12,012 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,012
₹14,329 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,341 reviews)
"Excellent customer service, the staff is really helpful and the hotel is so well located that it is so easy to explore the city from there. Nice rooms and had a great experience! Highly recommend it."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Rialto
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
The price is ₹12,270 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,270
₹14,613 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
The price is ₹12,454 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,454
₹14,972 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,180 reviews)
Ok hotel with ok rooftop bar - not exceptional
"Ok hotel, check in was inconvenient. Granted we arrived early so understand not being able to get in to room, but we were told to complete check in ourselves online but then had to go back to check in desk at 2pm, to queue again, to complete check in. Room was decent but could be better kept - bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Barceló Raval
W Barcelona

W Barcelona

5 out of 5
Plaça Rosa dels Vents, 1, Barcelona
The price is ₹33,489 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹33,489
₹38,512 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Nice property for the money, very loud but expected. The area is a bit shady, but just be aware of your surroundings."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

W Barcelona
Eurostars Grand Marina

Eurostars Grand Marina

5 out of 5
Moll De Barcelona S/n, Barcelona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹17,433 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹17,433
₹20,841 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,068 reviews)
Excellent hotel
"Excellent hotel! Extremely friendly and helpful staff! And so close to the cruise port, if your sole purpose visiting Barcelona is to embark on an exciting cruise vacation! It was my second time staying there and I’ll definitely be back! Muchas gracias! 😊"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Eurostars Grand Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Ciutat Vella

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El Born

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Paseo del Borne or Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.

El Born
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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Barceloneta

4.5/5(44 area reviews)

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Barceloneta
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El Raval

4/5(558 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

El Raval
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Sant Antoni

4/5(5 area reviews)

Travellers choose Sant Antoni for its lively bars. Hop aboard the metro at Sant Antoni Station or Poble Sec Station and check out top sights like Sant Antoni Market.

Sant Antoni


Ciutat Vella Travel Guide